Cost of Living: Virginia Beach, VA vs Lakeland, FL (2026)

Virginia Beach

Virginia
117
VS

Lakeland

Florida
82

Virginia Beach is 43% more expensive than Lakeland.

$1,649/mo ↑ 27%
Median Rent
$1,299/mo ↓ 21%
$90,685/yr ↑ 49%
Median Income
$60,947/yr ↓ 33%
$366,300 ↑ 60%
Home Value
$229,100 ↓ 37%
$1,704/mo ↑ 48%
Owner Costs
$1,149/mo ↓ 33%
457,066
Population
117,030

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
0%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

21.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Virginia Beach, VA and Lakeland, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 117 and 82 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $350/month cheaper in Lakeland, saving renters about $4,200/year.

Median household income is $29,738/year higher in Virginia Beach. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Virginia Beach is $366,300 compared to $229,100 in Lakeland.

Florida has no state income tax, giving Lakeland residents a significant tax advantage over Virginia's 5.75% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Virginia Beach vs Lakeland — common questions

Is Virginia Beach or Lakeland cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lakeland is cheaper to live in with an index of 82 compared to 117 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Virginia Beach and Lakeland?
Median rent in Virginia Beach is $1,649/month and in Lakeland it's $1,299/month — a difference of $350/month.
Which city has higher income, Virginia Beach or Lakeland?
Median household income is $90,685 in Virginia Beach and $60,947 in Lakeland. Median household income is $29,738/year higher in Virginia Beach.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and Florida?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Virginia Beach or Lakeland?
It depends on your priorities. Virginia Beach has a cost index of 117 with median rent of $1,649/mo, while Lakeland has a cost index of 82 with rent of $1,299/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Virginia Beach details → View Lakeland details →

More Comparisons

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